NEUOFFENBARUNG← The Childhood and Youth of Jesus · Part 2 · Contents
The noble company at the meal. Joseph's advice regarding the social considerations in the seating arrangement. The Infant's annoyance at the badly arranged side table. A prophetic prediction. 19 June 1844
01] The deputation, after a change in clothes, returned from the city at the predetermined time, greeted all in Joseph's house and proceeded with Cyrenius to the already prepared meal.
02] However, as the actual number of guests exceeded the expected number, Joseph's table was too small to also accommodate his own family at the same table.
03] The Infant therefore surreptitiously said to Joseph: "Father Joseph, let a small table be set for us in the adjoining room!
04] And tell Cyrenius that he should not be offended by this, 05] and tell him that I will go to him after the meal!" 06] And Joseph did as the Infant had instructed him to do.
07] Cyrenius, however, said to Joseph: "This is not possible! – The Lord of infinity is among us; surely we cannot seat him at the little table!
08] O that would really be the strangest order of the world!
09] I tell you, of all people, He and you should sit at the head!"
10] And Joseph spoke: "Dearest brother, this is not possible this time;
11] for look, there are now many pagans from the city here, and the Lord's proximity might be detrimental to them; therefore the Infant's will should be respected here, as everywhere and at all times."
12] And the Infant joined them and said: "Cyrenius! Joseph is right, just do what he says!"
13] Thus Cyrenius' objected no more and he proceeded with his entourage, as well as the deputation from the city, to the midday meal.
14] And Joseph promptly ordered a good and serviceable table to be placed in the adjoining room, at which he, Mary, the Infant with His James,
15] Jonathan, Eudokia and Cyrenius' eight children took their seats.
16] Naturally, the foods served at the guest table were of higher quantity and quality than the ones at the house table.
17] And the Infant spoke: "O you blot on the face of the earth! – Must you then bring forth that which is the worse for none other than your own Lord!?
18] O you now fertile land between Asia and Africa, you will be struck with great barrenness for ever!
19] In truth, truth! – If our table did not have some fish, there would be absolutely nothing edible for Me!
20] Here is a milk dish with a little honey, which I do not like, and there a roasted sea onion, and there a small melon, and there some stale bread and next to it, some butter and honey, –
21] that is our entire meal; nothing but foods that I do not like, except for the few fish!
22] Although I do not want that the guests are worse off than us;
23] it is also not right that we are so much worse off than the guests!"
24] Joseph said: "O dear Jesus, do not sulk in this manner, for look, we are all in the same boat!"
25] And the Infant spoke: "Give Me some of the fish, and then it is well for now. But it must be different on other occasions; for I cannot always be content with this everyday food!" – Joseph kept this in mind and gave the Infant some fish to eat.